Do you have a personal question you’ve been too afraid to ask? Whether it is about school, family or your social life, you can share it with us through this form. Don’t worry, you’ll remain anonymous.
Dear Friend,
I am having a hard time getting started on my assignments. Even though I know what I need to do, I feel stuck and can’t seem to begin. My teachers and parents think I am lazy, but I am actually trying. I feel like I can only work when I am in the mood. What should I do?
Signed, Trying My Best
Dear Trying,
When we feel overwhelmed, it’s often because we have too much on our plate. Think of it like a phone with too many apps running at once. The device starts to lag, may even crash, and, as a result, the battery drains faster.
Before you begin, take a moment to set a specific goal. For example, you might aim to complete three pages of maths homework. Being as specific as possible will provide you with a clear sense of direction.
Once you’ve established your goal, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, you could read one chapter, complete a single page of a worksheet, or write just one paragraph.
When we have a lot to accomplish, it’s easy to lose track of our progress, which can affect our motivation. To help you stay organised, it can be beneficial to create a daily plan for yourself. Be sure to include a few breaks as well.
During breaks, make sure to step away from your current activity to give yourself a chance to recharge. It’s important not to wear yourself out. Aim to take a few minutes to step away from your study table, do some stretches, or get a glass of water. This will help you feel refreshed.
If you find it difficult to refocus and return to work after taking breaks, consider setting a timer or alarm. On days when you feel motivated, you might want to give yourself more time for your tasks.
However, on days when you’re not as motivated, having a plan can help you stay on track. Place this plan in a visible location, such as on your fridge or on the wall in your bedroom. This way, it can help you regain your focus whenever you feel lost.
I understand that it can be discouraging and make you feel misunderstood when your teachers and parents label you as “lazy”. However, let’s concentrate on taking small steps to help ourselves move forward.
In the end, even minor achievements will demonstrate to them that you are putting in effort. The most important thing is how you feel and how to stay focused when everything seems overwhelming.
Hang in there, Friend of a Friend
This question was answered by Dr Carmen Ip, a clinical psychologist at Your Relationship Clinic.
